“Overcoming abuse doesn’t just happen, It takes positive steps every day. Let today be the day you start to move forward.”
– Assunta Harris, A Sheep Amongst Wolves
If you are or have been in an intimate relationship with someone who yells at you, belittles you, controls you, throws objects, threatens to take your children away, or attacks you physically or sexually, then you are a survivor of domestic violence (interpartner violence). Unfortunately domestic violence is all too common. Current research estimates that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner.
Being in a physically or verbally violent relationship can negatively affect a person’s mental health, and counseling can help. Survivors of domestic violence have high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional issues such as low self-esteem. For example, a recent study showed that women in high-conflict marriages are 25 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms.
I have specialized training and significant experience counseling offenders and victims of domestic violence. I understand the dynamics of relationships where domestic violence occurs and how to help victims of domestic violence achieve safety and independence. I am here to provide a safe, confidential space where you can talk about your experience and make decisions about what to do. I can help you create a safety plan to help keep you and your children as safe from violence as possible while you are still in the abusive relationship, and I can help you prepare to leave the relationship if you decide you want to do that. You may feel helpless and trapped, but truly you are neither of those things. My hope is that we can work together to help you find the strength and courage to make the changes you wish to make so you can live a life free of abuse.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMINENT DANGER: If you are a victim of domestic violence or stalking, and you believe you or your children are at imminent risk of violence as you are reading this, please call 911 or go to the nearest police station immediately rather than contacting me. You can contact me later when you are out of danger.